Even if you’ve never baked homemade bread or handled yeast before, this crusty artisan loaf is perfect for you. It’s the ultimate beginner-friendly recipe—just 4 simple ingredients, no special pans or mixer required, zero kneading or tricky shaping, and 95% of the work is hands-off. Even seasoned breadmakers will love it for its delicious flavor, slightly crisp and ultra-chewy crust, and those soft, airy holes inside, just like ciabatta or French bread.
Bread Beginners—Start Here
Ever dreamed of mastering homemade bread? The kind that’s crusty, chewy, and bakery-perfect, amazing with dips, soups, or cozy dinners? This is your starting point. While this artisan bread is beginner-friendly, even pros will adore its flavor and simplicity. It’s fresh, flavorful, and shockingly easy—it practically makes itself.
You only need 4 ingredients, no fancy tools, no kneading, and no starter dough. Plus, you can jazz it up with herbs, cheeses, or spices for endless variations.
This base recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Once you see how effortless real homemade bread is, you’ll find any excuse to bake a loaf. Turn it into garlic bread or homemade croutons—the possibilities are endless.
What is Homemade Artisan Bread?
“Artisan” bread doesn’t have one strict definition, but it’s typically homemade, fresh, crusty, and rustic-looking. An artisan is a skilled craftsperson, but ironically, this recipe involves barely any “work.”
Why You’ll Love This Bread Recipe
- Easier than you’d ever expect
- Soft + packed with flavor
- Chewy, slightly crisp crust
- Shape it however you like
- No special pans, starter, or poolish needed
- Only 4 ingredients
- You control how long it rests
Like sandwich bread, whole wheat, focaccia, English muffins, or bagels—the process is surprisingly simple. If you’re new to yeast, check out my Baking with Yeast Guide for answers to common questions.
Only 4 Ingredients
The crustier and chewier the bread, the less fat in the dough—this is called a “lean dough.” (For comparison, a “rich dough” includes butter or eggs, like in cinnamon rolls or dinner rolls.) Here, we keep it basic:
- Bread Flour: While all-purpose flour works, bread flour is best—it gives a stronger, chewier texture, which matters in a recipe with so few ingredients.
- Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is ideal (though active dry works in a pinch). I use more yeast here than in my no-knead cranberry nut or jalapeño cheddar breads because this dough chills in the fridge, slowing fermentation for better flavor.
- Salt: Good bread needs salt. For the best taste, use coarse sea salt—table salt can leave the flavor lacking.
- Water: Cool or room-temperature water (around 70°F/21°C) is key. Unlike most yeast recipes, warm water isn’t needed here. Cool water = slower rise = deeper flavor.
- Optional Cornmeal: Dusting the pan adds a nice crunch, but it’s totally optional.
Add-ins: Toss in garlic, rosemary, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, etc. (For a yeast-free option, try my no-yeast bread—it’s just as customizable!)
Baker’s Tip: Don’t over-flour the dough. The stickier it is (and the longer it chills), the bigger those airy pockets inside will be
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How to Make Homemade Artisan Bread in 5 Steps
- Mix the dough: At first, it’ll seem dry and shaggy, but keep mixing—it’ll come together. Use a spatula, then your hands. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Let it rise: Cover and leave at room temp for 2–3 hours, until doubled.
- Refrigerate (for best flavor): After rising, chill for at least 12 hours (up to 3 days). The longer it sits, the better the taste and texture!
- Shape and preheat: Form into 2 loaves or 1 round (boule). Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C)—the high heat sets the crust fast. For extra crispness, place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Bake: 20–25 minutes, until golden. If it sounds hollow when tapped, it’s done.
See those soft, airy holes? Just like ciabatta or a baguette—but way simpler to make.
Serve Artisan Bread With…
- Honey butter or cinnamon butter
- Dips: Crab dip, beer cheese, spinach dip, or even Italian dressing
- Soups: Chicken chili, pumpkin chili, minestrone, or creamy crab soup
- Pasta: Mac & cheese or spaghetti with turkey meatballs
- Goat cheese & honey crostini
- Breakfast casserole or baked French toast
- Garlic bread or croutons
- Literally anything—homemade bread makes everything better!